Millions of Central American students do not go to school

Therefore, they called on this organization's member countries to promote dialogue between teachers, students and parents in order to support the urgent, gradual and safe reopening of schools at all levels of education.

the director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jean Gough, noted that Central America cannot afford to lose a second school year without in-person classes, because each day that schools remain close jeopardizes the education of those who do not have access to the Internet and do not have their parents' support at home.

According to experts, the closure of schools goes beyond the guarantee of the right to education, because it is the space where many people receive their only nutritional meal of the day, are safe and protected, socialize and develop their life skills.

For her part, the director of the Multi-Country Office of the UNited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Esther Kuisch, highlighted the importance of resuming face-to-face classes and reopening schools to prevent a generation catastrophe.

'On the most unequal continent of the world, where nearly 11 million boys, girls and teenagers did not go to school before the pandemic, the loss of classes further worsens inequality and conditions the possibilities of achieving a dignified life,' she said.

Therefore, it is essential to prioritize and protect education in emergency responses from all aspects, said Kuisch, who added that UNESCO will continue to support its member States to guarantee access and the full right to a quality, inclusive and equitable education for all.